ACC Rivals work out for the Pacers
Tyler Hansbrough
Despite having an impeccble college record Tyler Hansbrough has received harsh words from "draft experts" in the past few weeks. Many believe that the biggest knock on Hans` is his ability to defend more athletic guys of similar stature . Some NBA "experts" also think that the former ACC star isint skilled enough to play SF and does not have the athletic ability to defend some of the leagues more talented Power Forwards.
Though reports from other workouts, including the NBA Draft Combine, indicate he's answered many of the questions about his athleticism, it's obviously still a sore subject for the North Carolina star.
When asked why there was skepticism about his prospects, Hansbrough replied, "It's just because I'm a national champion, I'm pretty good and I was a former player of the year. I'm pretty good. I'm not a perfect player. If they find a perfect player, I guess they can criticize me because there is no perfect player."
Hansbrough has found himself on somewhat of a rise in draft stocks however , it was only 2weeks ago that ESPN had him as a late first/early 2nd prospect . It now seems like the former UNC star is a mid 1st prospect and could even go as high as 10-15.
When asked about the possibility of being chosen by the Pacers Hansbrough responded with "That's what I'm here for," he said. "That's why I chose the Pacers to come out and work out for. I think I'd fit in really good and I'd add a lot of help, power forward-wise."
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Gerald Henderson
The second player the Pacers worked out today was former Duke Player Gerald Henderson . Many mock drafts have linked Henderson to the Pacers because of the inevitable loss of Marquis Daniels and Stephen Graham to free agency . When asked about the Pacers Henderson responded in a positive manner .... "It's a team I'd love to play for,". "They have a fast-paced kind of motion offense, which I think I'd do really well in. So this is a place I'd definitely love to play."
Family Connections
Henderson`s father who played 13 years in the NBA at the point guard position was an ex-teammate of Larry Bird . It is no secret that Bird has spoken to Henderson`s father about the possibility of drafting his son .
Henderson`s last words for the Pacers fans were about his attitude , "I'm going to play hard every day,"Every game, every practice, I'm going to bring it."
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